Alert archive / Louisiana / River Flood Warnings in 2026

River Flood Warning 7, NWS Lake Charles, LA

May 8, 2026Rapides Parish, Louisiana

NWS Lake Charles, LA issued this river flood warning at May 8, 2026, 8:38 AM CDT for Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It took effect at May 8, 2026, 10:11 AM CDT. It was in force for 7 days.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 8, 2026, 8:38 AM CDT (13:38 UTC)
In effect from
May 8, 2026, 10:11 AM CDT
Expired
May 15, 2026, 7:06 AM CDT
In force
7 days
Issued by
NWS Lake Charles, LA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
Minor

County Rapides Parish, LA

The radar

The Ft Polk radar (KPOE), 42 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 13:38 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The river

Written for the forecast point Calcasieu River near Glenmora (GLML1).

Action stage
12 ft
Minor stage
12 ft
Moderate stage
16 ft
Major stage
18 ft

This gauge today: stage, forecast and historic crests

Stage from the USGS instantaneous record for site 08013000, one reading an hour, from a day before the product to a day after it ended. Flood stages are today's.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this river flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Lake Charles, LA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this river flood warning went out at May 8, 6:17 AM CDT, 2 hours 21 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Rain chances remain in place during the weekend with upper disturbances traversing the region.
  • Heavy rain and flash flooding will again be possible Friday and Saturday.
  • There is a low end risk for severe weather possible Friday and Saturday.
Area forecast discussion, May 8, 6:17 AM CDT, 2 hours 21 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
617 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Rain chances remain in place during the weekend with upper
  disturbances traversing the region.

- Heavy rain and flash flooding will again be possible Friday and
  Saturday.

- There is a low end risk for severe weather possible Friday and
  Saturday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
(Today through Thursday)
Issued at 1201 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

As of 1200 AM CDT, conditions are mostly quiet with exception to
widely isolated showers streaming across parts of CWA. Both temps
and dewpoints are in the 60s, with high RH values and light to calm
winds under broken to overcast skies. Areas of fog again will not be
out of the realm if possibility, however dense fog is not expected.

The cold front that moved through the CWA the other day is sitting
over the Gulf waters, however it will slowly begin retrograding
northward into our area today. Along with this, an upper cutoff low
continues to progress eastward across northern MX and into SW TX.
PWATs are already plenty high as is with the swimming pool of
moisture straddling the entire Gulf Coast; the incoming system will
tap into this, leading to a wet Mothers Day weekend. The good news
is that overall rainfall totals have come down, and we are now only
in a Marginal Risk (lvl 1/4) for excessive rainfall both today
and tomorrow. However SPC has introduced a Marginal Risk (lvl 1/5)
for severe weather on both days.

Saturday into Sunday, the upper low will weaken and be absorbed into
the broader flow along with the front washing out. Nevertheless,
isolated to scattered showers will linger into Sunday before
everything is pushed out by another cold front. A surface high
pressure will move in Monday, with the conditions it will bring
being short lived as the high moves off to the east of us on Tuesday
into Wednesday, with southerly flow returning from then and into the
rest of next week.

For the front half of the forecast period, temperatures will be kept
in check by overcast skies and rain, along with the front. They will
be generally within 3 to 8 degrees from climatological averages for
this time of month. A warming trend will kick off in the latter
half of the forecast period as an upper ridge builds in out of
the west and southerly flow prevails.

&&

.AVIATION...
(12Z TAFS)
Issued at 615 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

Thunderstorms are developing across the area this morning and are
anticipated to remain in the forecast through the day. IFR to MVFR
conditions will remain through much of the period. NE winds will
veer SE during the day.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 1201 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

A cold front is currently located in the north Gulf. This front will
stall and slowly retrograde north over the weekend. Conditions will
be overcast with periods of heavy rain along with isolated
thunderstorms. Winds will be from the north through Monday after a
front and will become southerly again Tuesday into Wednesday. No
hazards are expected for mariners at this time.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 1201 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

Widespread wetting rain has helped drought conditions across the
region. Fire weather will not be a concern for the weekend and
through next week.

&&

.LCH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...None.
TX...None.
GM...None.
&&

PUBLIC/FIRE/MARINE...87
AVIATION...05

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 8, 6:53 AM CDT, 1 hour 45 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
653 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

LAZ027-028-030>032-TXZ259-260-081230-
Evangeline LA-Allen LA-Beauregard LA-Vernon LA-Rapides LA-
Northern Newton TX-Northern Jasper TX-
653 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT RAPIDES...NORTHERN EVANGELINE...
NORTHERN BEAUREGARD...VERNON AND NORTHEASTERN ALLEN PARISHES...
NORTHERN NEWTON AND EAST CENTRAL JASPER COUNTIES THROUGH 730 AM
CDT...

At 653 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Jamestown to near Elmer. Movement was east
at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Alexandria, Pineville, De Ridder, Oakdale, Jasper, Leesville, Newton,
Rosepine, Glenmora, Merryville, Cheneyville, Elizabeth, Turkey Creek,
Fort Polk, Alexandria International Airport, Sugartown, Hineston,
Pitkin, Burkeville, and New Llano.

This includes Interstate 49 between mile markers 55 and 90.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3096 9224 3097 9228 3094 9228 3089 9224
      3084 9224 3075 9393 3092 9398 3142 9226
TIME...MOT...LOC 1153Z 261DEG 19KT 3088 9389 3106 9272

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

Tingler
Special weather statement, May 8, 7:37 AM CDT, 1 hour 1 minute before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
737 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

LAZ028-029-032-081300-
Avoyelles LA-Evangeline LA-Rapides LA-
737 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT CENTRAL RAPIDES...NORTH CENTRAL
EVANGELINE AND NORTHWESTERN AVOYELLES PARISHES THROUGH 800 AM CDT...

At 736 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Alexandria International Airport to near
Alexandria to near Cheneyville to near Turkey Creek. Movement was
northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Alexandria, Pineville, Marksville, Glenmora, Cheneyville, Alexandria
International Airport, Effie, Ball, Lecompte, Hessmer, Tioga, Timber
Trails, Esler Regional Airport, Kingsville, Poland, Kolin, Ruby,
Holloway, Deville, and Libuse.

This includes Interstate 49 between mile markers 54 and 93.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3137 9209 3135 9207 3134 9209 3133 9208
      3133 9206 3116 9199 3093 9229 3087 9249
      3097 9261 3116 9264 3126 9271 3143 9247
      3144 9239
TIME...MOT...LOC 1236Z 246DEG 21KT 3125 9258 3122 9244 3104 9235 3091
9251

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

Tingler
Special weather statement, May 8, 7:38 AM CDT, 1 hour before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
738 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

TXZ180-081315-
Tyler TX-
738 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN TYLER COUNTY
THROUGH 815 AM CDT...

At 738 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles west of Chester, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Woodville, Colmesneil, and Chester.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3106 9456 3104 9450 3105 9449 3103 9448
      3104 9445 3103 9444 3100 9445 3101 9444
      3102 9442 3103 9441 3072 9432 3074 9460
      3099 9466 3101 9465
TIME...MOT...LOC 1238Z 262DEG 26KT 3088 9472

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

Tingler
Special weather statement, May 8, 7:56 AM CDT, 42 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
756 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

LAZ028-029-032-081330-
Avoyelles LA-Evangeline LA-Rapides LA-
756 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN RAPIDES...
NORTHEASTERN EVANGELINE AND SOUTHWESTERN AVOYELLES PARISHES THROUGH
830 AM CDT...

At 756 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Cheneyville, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor
         objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
Bunkie, Moreauville, Cheneyville, Bordelonville, Cottonport, Mansura,
Hessmer, Evergreen, Plaucheville, Goudeau, Dupont, and Hamburg.

This includes Interstate 49 between mile markers 47 and 59.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3087 9234 3103 9235 3112 9189 3085 9186
TIME...MOT...LOC 1256Z 263DEG 30KT 3095 9227

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Tingler
Local storm report, May 8, 8:26 AM CDT, 12 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
826 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0820 AM     Hail             Plaucheville            30.97N 91.98W
05/08/2026  M1.00 Inch       Avoyelles          LA   Broadcast Media

            Media reports of quarter size hail in
            Plaucheville.

&&

NRS
Local storm report, May 8, 8:32 AM CDT, 6 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
832 AM CDT Fri May 8 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0810 AM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Bunkie                  30.95N 92.18W
05/08/2026                   Avoyelles          LA   Emergency Mngr

            Reports of wind damage to a gas station on
            the corner of HWY 29 and HWY 71 in Bunkie.

&&

NRS

The office that day

Everything else NWS Lake Charles, LA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 8, 6:07 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLCHBeauregard23 min
May 8, 6:53 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLCHRapides, Vernon37 min
May 8, 7:37 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLCHRapides23 min
May 8, 7:56 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLCHAvoyelles34 min
May 8, 8:04 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLCHAvoyelles, Evangeline, Rapides26 min
May 8, 8:26 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLCHAvoyelles19 min
May 8, 8:56 AM CDTFlash Flood WarningLCHAvoyelles, Evangeline, Rapides, Vernon3 hr
May 8, 12:01 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningLCHAcadia, Allen, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Saint Landry3 hr
May 8, 12:37 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLCHLafayette38 min
May 8, 7:38 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLCHTyler37 min

Nearby

River Flood Warnings in Louisiana, 2026Every river flood warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive; the gauge from the NWS water service and the USGS.